To play a regulation game of soccer, you need a soccer goal. There are many different sizes and constructions of
goals. The type you purchase depends on the age of the players, intended use and space availability. Remember, it is
important to always anchor any goal you use to prevent it from falling on the players or passers-by.

Most recreational facility goal posts have a flat surface and are square, hollow aluminum. Professional
goals are circular rather than rounded.

Shape

Regulation soccer goals come in three basic shapes: without depth,
with depth, and box.

Without depth

The net on this goals hangs down on a circular metal frame at approximately a 45-degree angle from the
crossbar

It is secured either to a ground-bar attached to the goal or by stakes to the ground

These goals are lighter and more portable

With depth

The net on a with depth goal extends on a frame off the top crossbar about 2 feet parallel to the ground and
then angles down at a 45 degree angle

These provide more room inside of the goal and help keep players from getting tangled in the net

These goals generally have rounded bars that frame the back of the goal to shape the net and
to add stability

Box

Box goals are essentially rectangular shaped, with the net looped over a box-type frame at right angles off of
the goal posts

These are usually used for professional and other high-level facilities and are very heavy and relatively
permanent

Size

The size goal you purchase depends on the age of the players using the field. If you are buying goals for a youth
program, it is recommended you purchase one full size set and two smaller size goals (one for ages 4-7 and one for ages
8-11). Any more than that can cause scheduling and administrative problems.

Standard/Full size

The standard size regulation goal is 8-feet high by 24-feet (8 yards) wide

A standard goal should be used for all regulation soccer fields used by players 12 years and older

The minimum field width for this size goal is 50 yards; minimum length is 90 yards

U9 to U11

On fields used by 8 to 11 year old players, goals should be 6½ to 7 feet high by 18½ to 21 feet wide

The minimum field width for this size goal is 50 yards, and the minimum length is 70 yards

U7-U8

For 6 to 7 year old players, goals should be 6 ½ feet high by 12 to 18 feet wide

The field size for this age group is a minimum width of 30 yards and a minimum length of 50 to 60 yards

U6

For the youngest players, a goal should be 4 to 4 ½ feet high by 6 to 9 feet wide

Field size for beginner players should be 15 to 30 yards wide and 30 to 50 yards long

Accessories

Net attachments

It is recommended that you purchase goals that come equipped with net fastener systems, such
as clips or bars

For existing goals, you can purchase clips separately and install them yourself. This will make putting up and
taking off nets much easier

You can also purchase hook-and-loop, Velcro-type strips to wrap around the poles to secure the
net. These need to be replaced frequently.

Anchors

Many goal systems come with anchors or stakes to secure them to the ground

It is highly recommended to have some sort of anchor system in place on all soccer goals

Nets

Nets are made of a synthetic wrapped material and are sized to fit the goal

Refer to sizing charts to match the appropriate net with an existing goal, or the goal you are purchasing